Car truck



Aug. 2l, 1934. M. HAMAR'TIN l-,971,192 CAR TRUCK Fi1ed Nov. 4, 1929 2 sheets-sheet 1 M., H. MARTIN CR TRUCK I Filed Nov, 4, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet '2 Patented Aug. 2l, 1934 narra Tres orifice CAR TRUCK Mark H. Martin, Reading, Pa., afssignoiit birds; boro Steel Foundry & Machine Company Birdsboro, Pa.,"a corporation ol' Pennsylvania. Application November 4, 1929, Serial o. 40459,?, 4s claims. (01.105-19?) My invention relates to car trucks and more particularly to the construction of the side frames, holsters, the novel arrangement of the springs, and to the means for connecting these 5 parts together in a manner facilitating assembly and disassembly.

One object of my invention is an improvement in the construction of side frames involving the provision of a truss structure for strengthening ld the frames and minimizing the deflection beteen the bolster columns under the increased loadings which are now becoming standard practice in the enlarging of the spring group above the standard A. R. A. nestoi four springs.

A further object is to devise an enlarged spring group comprising seven springs in which the springs are so arranged as to retain, the major portion thereof within a depth of bolster window opening which is not greater than that now in use for a four spring nest, with a correspending reduction in the overhang on the' side frame and a saving in weight through an avoidance of any necessity for lengthening the spring plank and one side of the spring seat web of 25 the frame.

A further object is to devise a manner of arranging the springs. of a seven spring group which does not require a width of bolster window opening greater than that for a six spring 39 group arranged in two rows of three springs each, with a consequent shortening of the bottom tie portion of the tension member anda stiiening of the same against deflection, and which group is further arranged for reduction 3 5 to a six spring group by extracting one spring without aiecting the proper support of the bolster, or creating a faulty application of forces to theside frame. y

A further object is to devise a method of cone() necting the bolster to the side frame which facilitates the disassembly of these parts for replacing wheels or the frame and whose exercise does not require the removal of the springs, spring plank and the bolster.

A further object is to provide a truck bolster in which the metal is disposed to increase the transverse and vertical strength thereof and also to avoid the creation of shrinkage cracks inthe casting at the junction of the side walls with 5G the bottom and top of the bolster.

Side frames function generally astrusses and comprise a compression and a tension member, the latter in turn including thebottom tie portion between the bolster columns which is thereffore subjected to tensile stress, considering the side frame as a unit; In addition; this tie portion operates as a` beam in the carriage of the spring load and likewise undergoes tensile and compressive stresses which are local in nature and superimposed on the principal tensile stress in the frame. The result of this condition is that, particularly with enlarged spring groupings and the attendant increased loadings, the

tie portion exhibits a deflection tendency withV ensuing fatigue in the metal.

It is one of theexpress objects of my invention to rigidify the bottom tie'` portion of the side frame while maintaining the usual operating clearances. Briefly, this result is accomplished by the utilization of inner and outer truss structures which strengthen inwardly and outwardly the box section of the ti portion and also the spring plank shelves which extend laterally from the frame, thisphase of my invention being described and illustrated in my copending applif cation for a side frame, Serial No. 347,482, led March 16, 1929. This form of construction lends itself readily to a widel variety of spring groupings without affecting the central thought involved, but it is particularly useful in an arrangement where the major portion of the spring rload is disposed along the longitudinal axis of the frame.

The spring groupv which fvormsan important phase of the present invention consists of seven springs arranged in two rows ,of three springs each placed side by sidein' symmetrical relation to the window opening, with the seventh spring located inwardly of the frame toward the center of the truck on the median line of the springl plank, or in a generally T-shaped "formation in plan. outwardly of the truck, therefore, the springs do not extend further than the customary nest of four springs so that-'it is unnecessary to' lengthen the spring pl'anl,or to increaseA the depth of vthe spring seat web of the frame in that' direction, with a` corresponding saving in weight of these parts and a reduction in the overhang on the side frame.Y The arrangement of the springs in the group is extremely versatile in that the inner spring may be removed to reduce the group to a total o f six springs', as rthe operative conditions may determine, without affecting the modied group as an adequate load sustaining structure within its capacity.l

Theimanner of engaging the end of the truck bolster with the frame has been designed for the" purpose of facilitating the assembly and dismantling of these parts in. conjunction with the springs' and-.spring plank. When the stand- 'of the bolster to the bottom of the window opening of the side frame. In my improved arrangement, which substitutes removable retainingA plates carried by the lframe and engaging with the bolster for the customary outer integral lugs on the bolster, it is only necessary to rlrst remove these plates and then block up the spring plank, springs and bolster in order to remove the frame.

These plates perform the primaryV functionsfof the lugs as regards vertical guidance of the bolste and preventing outwardrlater'al movementof the side frames in case of. awreckor other unusual operative conditions,- and `the c arriage of the plates on the frame has'beenso arranged as to permit the use of a bolster'having integral- Y lugs, if substitution is desired.

4 The invention also contemplates thedisposition of the metal in the bolster castings which not-only strengthensv the unit in vertical4 and transverse directions, -but also. avoids the creation of shrinkage cracksduring cooling which are now occasioned by the junction o1y thin side walls with a relatively-heavy bottom `and top. This object is accomplished by making'the metal adjacent the yjunction edges of a greater thickness relativeV to that at the transverse neutral axis of the side walls and at the vertical 'neutral axis of the bottom and top. vA modification of thisV distribution of metal is also employed in the side walls of thebottom ltie portion of the; side frame tension member.

These and further'l objects --off my invention will be set forth in ther-following specication, reference being had to the accompanying drawings and the novel meansby which said objects :are -effectuated will be deiinitely pointed out in the claims.` A, p w Y In the drawings: e Y i v Figure 1 is `a side elevation of a portion of a car truck, partly in sectiointhe journal boxes v and wheels being omitted and the springs being shown in diagrammaticY outline.

Fig. 2 is a section along thek line 2-2Iin Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows, and showing the manner of engaging the truck bolster and side frame. f f

Fig. 3 is a section along the line in Fig.

1, looking in the directionmofthe arrows, the

springs being shown in .dottedeoutline Fig. 4 is a section along the line if-4 in Fig.-

y 1, looking in the direction ofthe arrows, the

bolster and springs being omitted. e

Fig. 5 is a section along the line55 in Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows, and showing the internal truss arrangement ,within `the bottom tie portion ofkthe tension member.

Fig. 6 is a partial view showing the under,

side of the tension member columns. `Y v u Fig. 7 is an enlarged plan view ofA thel spring between the bolster Fig. 8 is asection along the line lf` in Fig. 7, looking in the directionotthe.arrows.,

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of afportionof the truck bolster. j i

Fig. 10 is a section along the-line 10--10of Fig. 9, looking in the directionof the arrows.l

Fig. 11 is a diagrammaticrepresenta-tion of the system of loading as'applied" to one of the.

external trusses on'the bottomftie member.

present invention.v The frame 10 consists of the usual compression member 11 and tension member 12 which are joined bythe usual bolster -columns 13 disposed in spaced relation to denne with said members a window opening 14 and a V'por'tion of` the tension member l2 below said columns ycomprising a bottom tie member 15.

`Said tie member is generally of box section yand Vincludes an outer shelf 15 and an innerY shelf 17 which extend laterally therefrom in a plane'common vwith the upper web 18 of the section. The inner shelf 17 further includes a projectingY portion 19 which is centrally disposed with reference tothe bolster columns 13 and forms with the shelves 16 and 17, and the web 18 a spring supporting portion which is generally T-shaped in plan. Said shelves further include the customary bosses 20 which project upwardly therefrom and are received in suitable holes provided in a spring plank 21 which rests onl said shelves and is determined in position by said bosses.

In order to strengthen the bottom tie portion l5 between. the bolster columns 13, the following instrumentalities are provided. Flanges 22 project outwardly from the side walls of the member l5 and extend upwardly, from points which lie in a lplane comm-on with the lower web of said member and also in a plane which is common with the vertical axial plane of the central spring group, as hereinafter' described, towards the lower corners of the window opening, merging into the upper web 18 of the member, or lateral extensions thereof, and extending around said corners .and'upwardly along said columns for a predetermined distance as at 23. Ribs 24 also project outwardly from the sides of the member l5' and extend vertically upward from the lowermost points of the flanges 22 to the underside of the shelves 15 and 17, the rib which is disposed beneath the shelf 17 being carried almost to theinneredge of the projecting porvtion, 19, as shown in Fig. 4., thus providing an anges 22 `the tension members, and the ribs 2li-the struts. Strengthening webs 25 may also be disposed `below the anges 22 in a plane common with the lower web of the portion 15 and extending from the mid point of said portion to merge into the side walls thereof, as shown clearly in Fig. 6.

Additional vstrengthening means within the member 15 is furnished by a simiiar pair of integral trusses comprising flanges 2 6 which extend inwardly from the side walls of said section toward each other and correspond generally with the .position of the external anges 22. Vertical ribs27, corresponding in position with the external ribs 24, also projectinwardly from the side walls of saidsection and extend `from the lower web thereof to the upper web 18.

-As a, further means of strengthening the box section of the bottom tie member 15, the distribution of metal in the side walls thereof is sov arranged as to present a thickness on the lll() transverse neutral axis thereof which is less than the thickness which obtains at the junction of said walls with the upper and lower webs of the section, as indicated by the numeral 28 in Fig. 4. This disposition of the metal facilitates a4 more uniform cooling of the castings in'the location noted with a consequent removal of any danger of creating shrinkage cracks, and this condition of distribution extendsy substantially between the lines indicated by the numerals 29--29 which are disposed adjacent the bolster columns 13. Y

Asbefore noted, one end of a spring plank 21 is carriedon the shelves 16 and 17, as well as the upper web 18 of the bottom tie member, and

said plank in 'turn supports a spring plate 30 which is provided on its under `side `with a plu-V rality of protuberances 31 which are seatedv withinthe holes 32 provided on the, plank for the purpose of preventing .movement of said plate. The plate `30 is shaped to conform to the general outline of the shelves 16 and 17 and is further providedwith a projecting tab 33 which conforms tothe projecting portion 19 provided on the shelf 17. A plurality of spring positioning'collars 34 is also formed on the plate 30, there being more particularly seven of these collars arranged in two rows of three collars each and disposed symmetrically with relation to the window opening 14, with an oiset collar provided on the tab 33. In plan, therefore, the arrangement of the collars 34 presents a generally T-shaped appearance, as shown in Fig. 7, and four of said collars, denoted by the numeral 35,

are formed by punching upwardly from the surface of the plate 30 suitable cylindrical iiange's, the other collars being constituted by the apertured sockets 36, of which there are three in number triangularly disposed with reference to each other, one of the sockets 36 being located on the tab 33. Each socket 36 receives within itself the nut portion of a bolt 37 which extends upwardly through the aperture in said socket, through an enclosing spring 4G, and through a similar yaperture formed in a similar socket 38 which is provided on a spring cap 39. According to this arrangement, therefore, the springs` 40, spring plate 30 and spring cap 39 may beassembled as a unit away from the truck and placed bodily in position on the spring plank.

One end of `a truck bolster' 41 is supported on the spring assemblyabove described and may include in said end a vertical strengthening web 42 vwhich is centrally disposed with reference to the sides of the bolster. In order to increase the strength of the bolster both in vertical and transverse directions, as well as to avoid the customary creation of transverse shrinkage cracks now occasioned during the cooling of the standard cast bolsters by reason of the joining of thin side walls to heavy top and bottom, I propose to adopt with reference to the distribution or" the metalin the sections of the bolster a plan similar to that shown with vreference to the section of the bottom tie member 15.v According .to this plan, the top 43 and bottom 44 of the bolster have al thickness which Vis less along the vertical neutral axes thereof than at their junction with the side walls 45. Similarly, the thickness of the Aside walls 45 is lessalong their transverse neutral aXes than'at their junction with saidbottom anclvtop.N i i At a predetermined distance inwardly from each end, Vthe bolster 41 is provided with the usual 'integral lugsY 46 which -fcoact with the,`r

vstitution overhang on the side frame is materially lessshoulders l47 formed on the inside of the side frame 10. formed along each vertical side of the bolster, adjacent the end thereof, and each of which receives, when the bolster' is in operating position, one end of a retaining plate 49 which is carried in a pocket 50 provided on the side frame 10 and preventedffrom disengaging` therefrom by meansof a pin 51 which passes through said plate and the walls of .said pockets. As `willfbe noted by reference to Fig. 2, the extreme'width of the b olsterv 41 outwardly from Ythe integral lugs 46 is less than the lextreme width vof the window opening 14. 4S0 that in order to remove the side frame 1G, it is-merely necessary to Ajack up the springv plank, spring assembly, andthe bolster, whereupon the retaining plate 49 may be abstracted and the side frame removed. Ac-

cording to present methods, wherein a standard bolster is used which embodies as a substitute for the retaining plate 49 another integral lug similar to the lug 46, it is necessary to entirely remove the spring assembly and spring plank in order to permit a dropping of the truck bolster A channel-shaped depression 48 is vantage which may now reside in the integral d lugs, since the plate adequately guides the bolster.

in its vertical movement, prevents outward lateral movement of the'side frame, as well as tying these parts of the truck together in the event'l of a wreck or other unusual operating condition.

However, the use of the plate 49 does not prevent the side frame 10 from being assembled in connection with a standard bolster, as will be seen by reference to Fig. 12. of the outer side wall 52 of the pocket 50 has been stepped back from the sides of the window opening 14 sucient to establish a shoulder 53 whose lateral distance from the shoulder 47 has been arranged to accommodate a standard bolster having the integral lugs 46 and 54, the shoulder 53 being operatively positionedv with reference tothe lug 54.'

From the above, it will be obvious that the bottom tie portion 15 of the tension member has been adequately strengthened to resist the forces tending to deiiect the same between the bolster columns 13 by reason of the enlarged spring group. Moreover, this group of seven springs has been so arranged as to renderit completely operative as a loadesustaining structure either as an assembly of springs, or as an assembly of seven springs, without afecting the eiicient operation of the truck. The advantages of the side frame in respect of its engagement with j the truck bolster has already been noted above,

as well as theavailabilty of the trame for use in connection with a standard bolster if sub# is desired. Moreover, the outward cned overother spring groups comprising seven springs now used in the industry, since the outer shelf 16 is only requiredto have a depth sufficient for the diameter of one spring.

It is also contemplated that the above method of connecting the bolster and side frame maylbe i slightly modied, for trucks ernployingthe socalled lateral motion bolster, merely by eliminat-` ing the lugs 46 and increasing the width of the depression 48. Underzthese conditions, the plate The end face 49 would limit endwise movement of the bolster in both directions.

While I have shown one set of elements and combinations thereof for eiectuating my improved cartruck, it will be understood that the same is intended for purpose of illustration only and in no wise to restrict my arrangement to the exact forms and structures shown, for many changes may be made therein without departing fromthe spirit of my invention.

l I claim: I

1.v A side frame comprising a bottom tie member, shelves extending laterally `from said meme ber to provide a spring plank seat, flanges projecting laterally from said member beneath said shelves and extending upward toward the bolster Vsaid member beneath said shelves, `flanges projecting laterally within said member and extending upward toward the bolster columns of said frame from the mid-points between said columns, and ribs Yconnecting the upper web of said member with said flanges at said points.

3. A side frame comprising a hollow, bottom tie .memben shelves projecting laterally from said member to provide a spring plank seat, flanges projecting laterally from said member beneath said shelves and extending upward toward the bolster columns of said frame from the mid-points between said columns, a second group of flanges projecting laterally within said member beneath the upper web thereof Yand extending upward toward the bolster columns of said frame from. the mid-points between said columns, and ribs connecting said shelves and said web, respectively, with said flanges at said points. v

4'. A side frame comprising a bottom tie member, shelves projecting laterally from said member to provide a spring plank seat, fiangesprojectinglaterally from said member in a plane common with the lower side thereof vmidway between the bolster columns and bendingupward toward said columns at these points, and ribs connecting said shelves with said flanges at said points.

5. A side flame comprising a hollow, bottom tiel member, shelves projecting laterally from said member in a plane common with the uppery side thereof to form a spring plank seat, flanges projecting laterally from said member beneath said shelves and bending upward toward the bolster columns of said frame from the midpoints between said column, and ribs connecting said shelves with said flanges at said points.

6. A side frame comprising a hollow, bottom tie member, shelves projectingy laterally from said member in a plane common with the upper side thereof to form a spring plank seat, flanges projecting laterally from said member in a planecommon with the lower side thereof midway be,- tween the bolster columns and bending upward toward said columns from these points, and `ribs connecting said shelves with said flanges at said points., f

7. A Vside frame comprising ahollow, bottom tie member, shelves projecting laterally from said member t'o-provide -a spring plank seat, strengthening means projecting laterally from connecting the upper web of said member with said flanges at said points.

8. A side frame comprising a hollow, bottom tie member, shelves projecting .laterally from said member to provide raspring ,plank seat,

- flanges projecting laterally from said member in a plane common with the lower side thereof at the mid-points between the bolster columns of said frame and bending upward toward said columns from said points,- a second group of flangesprojecting laterally within said member .to merge with the 'lower side thereof midway between the bolster columns and bending upward toward said columns from these points, and

ribs connecting said shelves and the upper web of saidmember, respectively, with said flanges at said points. f

9. A sideframe comprising` bolster columns, a bottom tiememberconnecting said columns to partly denne a window opening therewith,

shelves projecting laterally from said member to provide a spring plank seat, flanges projectingl laterally from said member beneath said shelves and bending upward from the mid-points be' tween said columns to join said shelves adjacentl the lower corners of said opening, and ribs con necting said shelves with said flanges at said points.

l0. In a car truck, the combination of a side frame formed with compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions thereof.

by bolster columns leaving a bolster opening therebetween, the tension member, beneath the bolster opening, being formed with a spring seating portionsubstantially T-shaped in plan,

and a nest of springs supported on and having substantially theI same shape in plan as said spring seating portion, the axis ofthe limbs of the springv nest T being in alignment withthe longitudinal axis of the side frame.

l1. In a carjtruck, the-combination of aside frame formed with compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions thereof by bolster` columns leaving a bolster opening therebetween, the tension member, beneath the bolster opening, being formed with a spring seating portion substantially T-shaped in plan, and a nest'of springs comprising seven springs arranged .with a single spring supported on the upright of the T and the remainder on thelimbs thereof, thek sixsprings being symmetrically disposed in theV bolster opening with the major vaxis4 of the latter groupin alignment with the longitudinal axis'of the side frame. i

12. In a car truck, the combination of a side frame formed with compression and tension membersspaced at intermediate portions thereof vby bolster columns leaving va 'bolster opening therebetween, the tension member, 'beneath the bolster opening, being formediwith a spring seating portion substantially .T-shaped in plan, and a nest of springs supported on said spring seatingy portion comprising twoV rows of three springs each arranged on the limbs of the yT with a single springflying on the upright of .the -T, the

spring rows being"symmetricallydisposed on opposite sides of thelongitudinal Vaxis of the side frame. 13. In a car truck, the combination of a side frame formed with compression and tension iss members spaced at `intermediate portions thereof by bolster columns leavingr a bolsterl opening therebetween, shelves extending laterally from' said portion to provide a spring plank seat substantially T-shaped in plan, ilanges projecting `laterally from said tension member beneath said shelves and extending upward toward the bolster columns of said ange from the mid-point bevtween said columns, ribs connecting said shelves with said flanges at said points, and a nest of springs supported on andhaving substantially .the same shape in plan. as said seat.

shelves and extending upward toward the bolster columns of said frame from the mid-point between said columns, ribs connecting said shelves with said anges at said points, and a nest of springs comprising seven springs arranged with a single spring supported on the upright of the T and the remainder on the limbs thereof.

15. A car truck side frame comprising a com pression member, a tension member, and spaced bolster columns extending vertically between said compression and tension members, said ltension member having a central horizontal spring supporting portion including an upper Web joined at its ends with said bolster columns, a lower web spaced therefrom, vertical struts extending between the mid-points of said upper and lower webs, and inclined webs extending lfrom said lower web in the region of the connection of said'struts therewith and being'joined with said upper web in the region of the connection of said upper web with said bolster columns.

16.. A car truck side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, and spaced bolster columns extending vertically between said compression and tension members, said tension member having a central horizontal spring supporting portion including spaced sides, an upper web joined at its ends with said bolster columns and at its sides `with said spaced sides, a lower web joined .at its sides with said spaced sides, vertical struts extending between the mid-points of said upper and lower webs, and inclined webs integral with and extending from said lower web in the region of the connection of said struts therewith and joining .with said upper web in the region of the connections of said vupper web with said bolster columns.

17. A car truck side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, .and spaced bolster columns extending vertically between said compression and tension members, said tension member having a central horizontal spring supporting portion including spaced sides, an upper web joined at its ends with said bolster columns and at its sides with said spaced sides, a lower web joined at it sides with said spaced. sides, vertical struts extending between the mid-points of said upper and lower webs, and inclined webs integral with and extending from said lower web in the region of the connection of said struts therewith and joining with said upper web in the region of the connection ci said upper web with` said bolster their sides with said spaced sides.

vlfii'side frame having a spring seat member comprising an upper and a lower chord, and

diagonal members connecting said chords and being connected to said lower chord at substan` tially the mid-point thereof.

19. A side frame having a spring seat member comprising an upper and a lower chord, `vertical struts extending between the mid-points of said chords, diagonal members extending from the ends oi one of said chords to the region of the connection of rsaid struts with the other of said chords.

20.` A side Vframe having a spring seat member comprising an upper and a lower chord, vertical struts extending between the mid-points of said chord, and diagonal members extending :iromf'the endsv of said upper chord to the junction of said struts withy said lower chord.

2l.l A cartruck side frame comprising acompression member, a tension member, and spaced bolster columns extending vertically between said compression and tension members, said tension member having a central horizontal spring supporting portion including an upper web joined at its ends with said bolstercolumns,

-a lower web spaced therefrom, vertical` struts extending between the mid-points of said upper and lower webs, and inclined webs extending between said'upperand lower webs, each inclined web being joined at one end to the upper web in` thek region of connection of a bolster columntherewith and at the-other end to the lower web in the region of connection of said struts therewith, each inclined web having spaced portions .adjacent said upper web.

` 22. A car truck side frame comprising a compression membena tension member, and spaced bolster columns extending vertically between said compression and tension members, said tension member having a central horizontal spring supporting portion including spaced sides, an upperweb joined at its ends with said bolster columns and at its sides with said spaced sides, a lower web joined at its sides with said spaced sides, vertical struts extending between the mid-points of 'said upper and lower webs, and inclined webs integral with'and extending from said'lower web in the region oi connection of said struts therewith and joining with said upper web in the region of the connections of 'said upper web with said bolster columns, said inclined webs being integral at their sides with said spaced sides and having spaced portions adjacent the connections thereof with said upper web.

23. In a car truck, the combination of a side frame formed with compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portionsV thereof by bolster columns leaving a bolster opening therebetween, theY tension member beneath the bolster opening being formed with a spring seating portion substantially T-shaped in plan, a spring plank engageable with said frame and extending substantially across the depth of said spring seating portion, and a nest of springs supported on and having substantially the same shape in plan as said spring seating portion, the axis of the limbs of the spring nest T being in 4alignment with the longitudinal axis of the side frame.

24. In a car truck, the combination of a side frame formed with compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions therecolumns, said inclined webs being integral at therebetween, the tensionmember beneath the bolster opening being formed with a spring` seating portion substantially T-'shaped in plan, a spring plank engageable with said framev and extending substantially across the depth of saidY spring seating portion,-andv a nest` of springs comprising seven springs arranged with a single spring supported on the upright of the T and the remainder on the limbs thereof longitudinally of said frame, the six springs being symmetrically disposed in the lbolster opening with the major axis of the latter group in alignment with the 'longitudinal axis of the side frame.

25. In a car truck, the combination of a side frame formed with compression and?! tension members spaced at intermediate portions thereof bybolster columns leaving a bolster opening therebetween, the tension member beneath the bolster opening being formed with a spring seating portion substantially T-shaped in plan, a spring plank engageable with said frame and extending substantially across theV depth of said spring seating portion, and a nest of springs supported on said frame comprising two rows ofv three springs each arranged on the limbs of the T longitudinally of said frame with a single springlying on the-upright of the T, the spring rows being symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the side frame.

26. In a car truck, the combination of a Side frame formed with compressionf and tension members spaced at intermediate portions thereof by bolster. columns leaving a bolster opening therebetween, a tension member beneath the bolster opening being formed with'a spring seating portion having an offset extending inwardly therefrom, and a nest of springs comprising seven springs arranged with a singlev spring supported on said offset and the remainder longitudinally of said frame, the six springs being symmetrically disposed in the bolster opening with the major axis of the latter group in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the side frame. l

27.k A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster columns interposed therebetween and spaced to define a window opening, 'the portion of the tension member beneath said opening comprising Va hollow section having side walls of less thickness at the transverse neutral axis thereofthan at their junction with the bottom and .top of said portion.

28. A side frame comprising a hollow, bottomtie member having side walls of less thickness at the transverse neutral axis thereof than at their junction with the bottom and top of said member, shelves extending laterally from said member to provide a spring plank seat, flanges projecting laterally from said member beneath said shelves and extending upward toward the bolster columns of said frame from the midpoints between said columns, and ribs connecting said shelves to said anges at said points.

29; A side frame comprising a hollow, bottom tie member having side walls of less thickness at the transverse neutral axis thereof than at their junction with the bottom ofjsaid member,

shelves extending laterally from said member to provide a spring plank seat, flanges projecting laterally from said member beneath said shelves and extending upward toward the bolster vcolumns of said frame fromrthe mid-points be- .bottom of said portion.

of by bolster columns leaving: a bolster opening tween said columns, and ribs :connectingsad shelves to said flanges atsaid points'. .c il

30. A side frame comprisinga, hollow, bottom tie member having side walls of lessthickness at an intermediate section thereof than at their junction with: the bottom of said member, shelves extending laterally from said member to provide a springplank seat, flanges'projecting laterally from said member beneath said shelves and extending upward4 towardfthe bolsterfcol-L umns of said frame. from the ,Smid-.points Abeftween said columns, and ribs connecting said shelves to said flanges at said points. f

31'. A side frame comprising a hollow, bottom tie member having side walls of lessthickness at an'intermediate ,section4 than at their ljunction with the bottom and top of said member, shelves Yextending laterally from said member .toV pro.-

vide aspringplank seat,` flangesv projecting laterally'from said mernbertbeneath said shelves and extending upward toward theY bolster ycol-Y umns of said frame from thelmid-points: between said columns, and kribs connecting said shelves to'said flanges atl said points. l

32, A side frame comprising a :hollow,.bottom tie member having side walls-of less thickness at the transverseneutral axisthereofthan at their junction with the bottom and top ofsaid member, shelves projecting laterally from said member to' provide a.y spring plank '.seat, strengtheningmeans projecting laterally from said member beneath said-shelves, anges projecting laterally within said member andextending upward toward the bolster columns of said frame from the mid-points betweensaid i columns, and ribs connectingvthe upper web of said kmember to said Ilanges at said points. f

33. A side frame comprising a hollow, bottom tie member having side wallsof .less thickness at an intermediate section than at their junction with the bottom of said membenshelves projecting laterally Vfrom said member to Aprovide a spring plank seat, strengthening means projecting laterally from said member beneath said shelves, flanges projecting laterally withinsaid member and extending upward toward the .bolster columns of said frame from lthey midpoints between said columns, and-ribs connecting the upper web of said member to said. flanges at said points. f -1 w' 125 34. A car truck side frame comprising "a come pression member, av tension member and .spaced bolster columns extending vertically between said compression and tension members, said tension member having a central, horizontaL-spring' 130 supporting portionr including an upper Iweb joined at its ends with said bolster columns, a lower web spaced therefrom, lvertical struts extending between the mid-points of said upper and lower webs, inclined webs extending from said lower` web in the region of the connection of said strut therewith and being jointed with-'said upper web inthe'region of the connection of said upper'web with said bolster columns, and'sid'e walls connecting said upper and lower webs hav'- ing less thickness at the transverse neutral axis of said portion than at their: junction with-the 35. A car truck side frame comprising a compression member,` a tension member, and spaced bolster columns extending vertically. between said compression and tension members, saidftension member having a central, horizontal, spring supporting portion `including spacedfsides, an upper webfjoined at. its Yends with said ,bolster 150 columns and at its sides with said spaced sides, a lower web joined at its sides with said spaced sides, the thickness of said sides at the transverse neutral axis of said portion being less than at their junction with said lower web, vertical struts extending between the mid-points of said upper and lower webs, and inclined webs integral with and extending from said lower web in the region of the connection of said struts therewith and joining with said upper Aweb in the region of the connections of said upper web with said bolster columns.

36. In a car truck side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, and

spaced bolster columns extending vertically be-y tween said compression and tension members, said tension member having a central, horizontal, spring supporting portion including spaced sides, an upper web joined at its ends with said bolster columns and at its sides with said spaced sides, a` lower web joined at'its sides with said spaced sides, the thickness of said sides being less at the transverse neutral axis of said portion than at their junction with said lower web, vertical struts extending between the mid-points of said upper and lower webs, and inclined webs integral with andextending from said lower web in the region of the connection of said struts therewith and joining with said upper web in the region of the connection of said upper web with said bolster columns, said inclined webs being integral at their sides with said spaced sides.

37. A side frame having a hollow, spring seat member comprising ,an upper chord, a lower chord, and sides walls connecting said chords, the thickness of said side walls at the transverse neutral axis of said member being less than at their junction with said lower chord, and diagonal members connecting said chords and being connected to said lower chord at substantially the mid-point thereof.

38. A side frame having a hollow, spring seat member comprising an upper and a lower chord, side walls extending between said chords, the thickness of said side walls being less at the transverse neutral axis of said member than at their junction with said lower chord, vertical struts extending between the mid-points of said chords, and diagonal members extending from the ends of one of said chords tothe region of the connection of said struts with the other of said chords.

39. A side frame having a hollow, spring seat member comprising an upper and a lower chord, side walls extending between said chords, the thickness of said side walls being less at the transverse neutral axis of said member than at their junction with said lower chord, vertical struts extending between the mid-points of said chords, and diagonal members extending from the ends of said upper chord to the junction of said struts with said lower chord.

40. A car truck side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, and spaced bolster columns extending vertically between said compression and tension members, said tension member having a central, horizontal, hollow, spring supporting portion including an upper web joined at its ends with said bolster columns, a lower web spaced therefrom, side walls connecting said webs having a thickness at the transverse neutral axis of said portion less than at their junction with said lower web, vertical struts extending between the mid-points of said upper and lower webs, and inclined webs extending between said upper and lower webs, each inclined web being joined at one end to the upper web in the region of connection of a bolster column therewith and at the other end to the lower web in the region of connection of said struts therewith, each inclined web having spaced portions adjacent said upper web.

41. A car truck side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, and spacedl bolster columns extending vertically between said compression and tension members, said tension member having a central, horizontal, spring supporting portion including spaced sides, an upper web joined Vat its ends with said bolster columns and at its sides with said spaced sides, a lower web joined at its sides with said spaced sides, the thickness of said sides at the transverse neutral axis of said portion being less than at their junction with said lower web, vertical struts extending between the mid-points of said upper and lower webs, and inclined webs integral with and extending from said lower Webs LJ,

in the region of connection of said struts therewith and joining with said upper web in the region of the connection of saidupper web with said bolster columns, said inclined webs being integral at their sides with said spaced sides and having spaced portions adjacent the connections thereof with said upper web.

42. A nest of springs substantially T-shaped in plan adapted for mounting in the bolster opening of an associated side frame, said nest being arranged with two rows of spring units as the limbs of the T and a spring unit oiset therefrom forming the upright of the T, the spring rows being symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the frame.

43. A nest of springs substantially T-shaped in plan adapted for mounting in the bolster opening of an associated side frame, said nest comprising seven springs arranged with a single spring forming the upright of the T and the remainder the limbs thereof, the six springs being symmetrically disposed in the bolster opening withthe major axis of the latter group in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the frame. l

MARK n.` MARTIN.

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